Hayfever.

Newsgroups: alt.folklore.herbs
Subject: Hayfever help?
From: scorcora.picard.cs.wisc.edu (Staci Corcoran)
Date: 19 May 1995 05:02:59 GMT

Does anyone know anything that could help alleviate hayfever symptoms?? I would prefer to keep away from things that make me sleepy....

Thanks!
Staci

From: brumstik.interaccess.com (broomstick)

>Does anyone know anything that could help alleviate hayfever symptoms??

Ma Huang does not make you sleepy and works against SOME hayfever - it's worth a try. It is, however, pretty strong so beware of side effects (pounding heart, shaking hands, nervousness, etc.) and if they occur either cut the dose or quit. MOST people can take it without problems, but avoid it if you have heart problems or high blood pressure.

Shots are not fun but they DO work for many.

I have friends that swear by homeopathic remedies, although I have not tried this myself. Again, worth a try.

If you have an air conditioner, make sure the filter is cleaned once a week - dust and pollen can accumulate there, at which point it tends to be thrown back into the air in your room.

Avoid going out early in the morning, when pollen levels are at their highest.

Eat a good diet and get lots of sleep - your body will be healthier and less reactive. However, some folks find citrus irritating during the allergy season, so you might want to lean more toward vegees than fruit if you're having problems.

Rather extreme: move to a desert area like Death Valley. Very little pollen to cause allergies.

From: bwind.BIX.com (bwind on BIX)

Although not an herbal remedy for hay fever type allergies, my wife and I have had good luck this year with the a vitamin approach. A good all around multi-vitamin and vitamin C (several grams). It even helps me when we visit my parents and their cats.

Brian